Short visit in North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park is in Washington State close to Seattle. We went there in July and was still lot of snow on the top. Make sure to take trekking poles and good shoes. We saw some people with tractions for shoes. If you like kayaking take your kayak or you can rent in Ross Lodge but can be expensive and not always available.

This park does not have entrance fee. We visited this park during Covid-19 in 2020 but still all trails were open. We stayed here 3 days and camp in Newhalem Campground. Place is really nice to stay, less crowded that other. Newhalem Campground you should reserve on recreation.com.

In this park for first time we saw Black bears and it was on our trail. We did not do all the best hikes because still was lot of snow. Check conditions before planning or going.

Trails

The Cascades Pass Trail

Length: 12.5 miles
Elevation gain: 3130 ft
Difficulty: Strenuous
Alltrails trail: link

This was our first hike and was amazing. This hike is a must. If there is still lot of snow on the road, then hike is around 2 miles before trailhead. If you will see cars parked on the side just park too.

Trail has lot of switchbacks but is worth it to be on the top. On the way we passed lot of snow the slop so be careful. View on mountains is beautiful and on the top you can meet mountain goats. Be aware they can be aggressive.

We did not go to Sahale Glacier because we did not have trekking poles and was still lot of snow. Highly recommended.

Thunder Creek via 4 of July Pass

Length: 10.6 miles
Elevation gain: 2575 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Alltrails trail: link

Compare to Cascade Pass this hike was just ok. If you like hiking in the forest this is for you.

Thunder Knob Trail

Length: 4 miles
Elevation gain: 666 ft
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Alltrails trail: link

Hike is 4 miles and is nice view on the top from where you have nice overlook on Ross Lake.

Ross Dome Trail

Length: 2.2 miles
Elevation gain: 568 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Alltrails trail: link

We were curious about Ross Dome and Lake and choose spontaneous this hike. It was about 2 miles. After Cascades Pass it was our favorite hike because on the way back we met our first Black Bear. It was looking at us behind corner.

We were shocked but we slowly went down and talked louder. The bear turned too and we did not know that is gone or not. Suddenly bear was down in the bushes and back to trail behind us.

When you enter park always take newspaper and read how to behave. This time we did not have bear spray but our bear was not aggressive. Keep distance and talk during hiking.